LANCASTER – In association with the nonprofit organization Team PRIDE, Los Angeles Police Detective Mark Pursel and Taekwondo Master William Robinson will be teaching free interactive self-defense seminars in Lancaster this Saturday, Sept. 27.
A children’s safety seminar will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and a women’s self-defense seminar will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both seminars will take place at ATA Martial Arts, located at 1040 East Avenue K in Lancaster.
The children’s seminar is for boys and girls, ages 6 to 12, and it will cover safety and bully prevention strategies, as well as self-defense and breakaway techniques, according to organizers.
The women’s self-defense seminar is targeted toward females; however, it is open to anyone age 13 and older. Detective Pursel will cover safety and crime prevention strategies, and then Master Robinson will demonstrate basic strikes, kicks, and breakaway techniques. Attendees will receive hands-on experience on how to react in life-threatening scenarios.
“A lot of times people can avoid many kinds of problems and never even have to defend themselves just by being aware of their surroundings and taking basic steps… so I’ll be covering things like that,” Detective Pursel said. “Master Robinson will be covering the worst case scenarios, where someone actually does grab you or tries to take you somewhere, how to break away and use simple, effective self-defense techniques.”
“Safety and awareness training is very important, especially with the holiday season approaching. We’re doing this as a public service to keep people safe,” Pursel added.
Both seminars are free and open to the public, but attendees must pre-register by calling 661-948-5425.
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astrid says
I would like to know when are u going to do another self-defense seminar her in lancaster ca.Time and date please because I would love to take a class.if u can write me back on my email I would appreciate it. Thank you…
mom says
I went to the seminar and I would have loved it because the detective was covering alot of great things. However, I felt uncomfortable after he mentioned that my toddlers were there and the class was meant for 13 years and over. I felt that was inapporiate for him to stop the class to mention that so I just got up and left the studio. I wanted to stay because the staff was really nice and I thought i could take alot from the class but I guess since I had my children with me that was an issue…. Overall I did feel welcomed by the ATA Martial Arts Studio because they were welcoming.
Mark Pursel says
Mom,
I am sorry that you felt uncomfortable. I only paused and lowered my voice because I was about to mention a violent rape that would not have been appropriate for children to hear. When I looked around and saw that the children (there were several, not just yours) were all engrossed in their own activities and not even paying any attention to my words, I moved on. Very shortly after that we moved on to the the physical self defense activities. I have six children of my own ranging from age 7 to 17, so the last thing I would have wanted to do was make another parent feel uncomfortable.
I will be teaching the below listed self defense seminars in the San Fernando Valley. If you are able, I would love it if you were able to attend so that you can experience the physical self defense drills that you missed; and do bring your children if you would like:
Free Women’s Self-Defense Workshops
Event hosted by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles Police Department (Mission Division), Bright Star ATA Martial Arts, and North Hollywood Recreational Center.
RSVP by calling 818-376-4246
October 4
10 AM – 12 PM
LA Police Department
Mission Area
11121 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Mission Hills
1 PM – 3 PM
Panorama Recreation Center
8600 Hazeltine Ave.
Panorama City
October 18
1 PM – 3 PM
North Hollywood Recreation Center
11430 Chandler Blvd.
North Hollywood
October 25
1 PM – 3 PM
Sherman Oaks/East Valley Adult Center
5060 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
November 15
10 AM – 12 PM
Studio City Recreation Center
12621 Rye St.
Studio City
All participants must sign a waiver.
Dress comfortably.
Loose clothing preferred.
Ages 12 and up.
Limited space available.
This is a hands-on seminar.
I hope to see you there,
Mark Pursel
Anna says
I’m sorry but who takes their toddlers to a self defense class? Who takes their toddlers to any class unless the toddlers are included? That is just free babysitting and disruptive to the class and those attending. Leave your children at home with a babysitter, can’t afford or find one, then don’t go until you do. I never ever took my kids with me to an important event designed with ADULTS in mind. They are not welcome, and have no business being there. He stated 13 years and up, are your toddlers mini 13 year old people? NO! Have a brain, have respect, and leave the kids at home!!!
Sharell Huey says
Hello,
I am California State University, Northridge student and participant with Valley View News. I recently came across this advertisement regarding free self-defense seminars fo
cusing on women and children that may deal with bullying. I think this is an excellent and needed seminar in the Antelope Valley community and I would love to do a special on this event for a school project of mine. If someone from the event could please respond back to me at your earliest convenience I would greatly appreciate it. I could be reached via the above email or by telephone at 209-912-9052. Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing and learning from you all soon.
Best,
Sharell Huey